Journal of psychosomatic research
-
The aim of the study was to examine the influence of personality factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ⋯ In summary, some personality factors are useful for understanding the process of HRQOL in patients with IBD. Recognizing these differences may enrich clinical research and may be crucial when designing interventions aimed at treatment effectiveness.
-
Physical and emotional stress and altered reactivity of the autonomic nervous system have been implicated in the development and maintenance of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This study investigated blood pressure, heart rate (HR), skin conductance levels (SCL), and surface electromyograms (EMG) from the trapezius muscle in 30 FMS patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). All measures were continuously recorded during baseline (BL), social conflict, mental arithmetic, and relaxation tasks. ⋯ During both stress tasks, HR reactivity was significantly lower, and SCL reactivity was significantly higher in the FMS group. This pattern of low BL muscle tension and high BL HR, along with low HR and high SCL reactivity to stress, is discrepant to other chronic pain syndromes and suggests unique psychophysiological features associated with FMS. Several potential mechanisms for these psychophysiological responses are discussed.
-
This study investigates the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (avoidance, reexperiencing, and hyperarousal) and the presence, severity, and duration of neck complaints after motor vehicle accidents. ⋯ Results are consistent with the idea that PTSD hyperarousal symptoms have a detrimental influence on the recovery and severity of whiplash complaints following car accidents.
-
Research in chronic pain patients has shown that accepting the chronic nature of their illness is positively related to quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether acceptance is also associated with better well-being in patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). ⋯ We suggest that promoting acceptance in patients with CFS may often be more beneficial than trying to control largely uncontrollable symptoms.